probably overreacting

[ncguy]

Two weeks ago I received an "erotic massage" in a hotel room.  The only skin to skin contact was with her hand, however, I'm converned that I may have caught something from the bedspread while I was laying down naked. About 3 days after I noticed a slight discoloration on the tip of my penis, and the same day had a STD panel test done (all results came back negative).  However, the spot is still there, and I have mild discomfort in my genitals that comes and goes.  I'm pretty sure it's stress, but the spot worries me.  I was planning to get another panel test in a couple weeks (after a month). If they all come back negative, am I in the clear?

Thank you so much.

[auntiejessi]

Well, you can use logic AND science to be convinced that you don't have anything - your tests prove that.

I can't remember the name of it, but there is a product for runners that will help prevent chafing.  Its something you rub on like a gel or lotion, I think.  That might help.

Heebee jeebees are the worst.

Aj

[ncguy]

I got some athlete's foot stuff (Lotrimin, I think).  I'm giving that a go.  If nothing else, this whole experience has taught me that the placebo effect (in this case a negative placebo) is incredibly powerful.  Aside from the heebee jeebees, the worst part was reading that some of these things take 3-4 months to show up on tests, which makes the 4 week result seem less conclusive (again, illogically).

Thanks for the help over the last few weeks.

[auntiejessi]

Herpes can take up to 4 months, but most people will test positive much sooner.  

You really had no chance of getting anything but the heebie jeebies from this.  Just keep remembering that.

Aj

[ncguy]

What fraction of folks have herpes without the sores or discharge?  That's the other freaky thing... you read that a lot of people have it and don't know it because the symptoms aren't that bad.

Will do. I'll remember.

[auntiejessi]

A lot of people have herpes without symptoms (discharge isn't a symptom of herpes), but you weren't at risk for getting herpes from this.  There has never, not once, been a documented case of getting herpes from an inanimate object, like toilets, beds, etc.

Aj

[ncguy]

Even if there's still fluid on a towel or something?  (Granted, I don't think there was and I'm really not worried, but one of the recurring thoughts I had over the last months was that it seemed like the whole world was teeming with germs/bacteria/viruses.)